most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s

It seems like its only recently been discovered as a valuable collectible. There are known to be a lot of collectors out there who collect reverse color BP Dodge wreckers. Their No. With sporty racing rim wheels and flamboyant designs, they were faster and flashier than Matchboxes. Among the most valuable Matchbox cars ever is the brown Magirus Deutz Crane. On later tracks, decals would be better instead of paper stickers. So to see a matchbox release for the Ecto-1 in 2010 is a huge win for fans of 1980s matchbox cars, as we get to welcome an absolute icon into the mix. The Matchbox brand has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong today. The second version was made without opening doors and trunk but still had chrome wheels. While Lesney Products made their name in matchbox cars, it wasnt the only thing they made. The first true Matchbox toys were produced that . Vaporwave is a popular musical genre and aesthetic that reimagines the plasticity of the 80s and manages to alchemize it into a sort of warm nostalgia. It was made in England and is one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. Of course, most children could not buy a Ferrari and they certainly couldnt drive one, so they had to settle for the matchbox version. That is, except for the pre-production models. While eBay has helped diminish the hobby by giving everyone access to Matchbox cars, dealer shows remain a great place to exchange information and buy and sell Matchbox cars. 23 Corvette Stingray With Bloomington Gold 25th Anniversary $225. e.g. These segments had not changed from 2021. If you intend to trade the most valuable matchbox cars, it helps to be familiar with their top series. There is one version thats worth its weight in gold. Over time, the brand expanded to include large-scale die-cast models. Sold by Alisho's and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Tom Sellek starred as Magnum PI in a TV show that was a hit back in the 1980s. Its a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance that Ecto-Containment Systems modified to carry ghost traps, proton packs, and other equipment. The reverse color versions crane base is narrower. Vintage 70's 80's Lesney Matchbox Superfast Diecast Car Truck Lot Of 48 Toy Cars. $32.25 shipping . There hasnt been a sale mentioned since and any information on how or why the car was created is no longer available to the public. There was a unique roof on this car, and the interiors were different from that of the American version. Some rare models sell for thousands of dollars, while others can be found on eBay or Craigslist for less than $10! For reference, the first 75 came out starting in 1953. (And if you can find one, avid collectors will pay a bunch!) A huge one. Even though it was the first Matchbox car to appear, is it the companys most prized possession ever created? Vintage 50's 60's 70's . Ever the engineer, Odell made his daughter a matchbox-compliant cast-brass road roller, which he painted red and green. Check the date of the sale to gauge market interest. We keep mentioning the importance of dates in this reselling sector. They created their first die-cast in 1997, which was a road roller. doors or hoods that open), body-work (e.g. It is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car directed at middle-class families while still ensuring fuel economy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It features incredible detail and stands at a whopping 27" tall, dominating its peers in both value and height. If you bump into them, they resell for a truckload, so keep an eye out! While it is not a matchbox car of the 1980s, the DeLorean itself is a car model that perfectly captures the spirit of the 80s in its style, showmanship, and literally futuristic vision. Number Produced: Unknown for sure but believed to be very few. Lets get going! One of the most valuable colors of the cars made is orange and copper, each worth more than $1500 on the open market. . This has always been a big part of the appeal and keeping with the times. Then came the Major series. In the history of Matchbox cars, very few vehicles have reached the value level of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Historical Vehicle says that in its day, the Diplomat was a very cheap car. Matchbox 1967 Magirus Deutz Crane (No. One reverse color wrecker sold for $9,500 in 2005 came in mint condition in its original box. 5 . Bone up on . Later models had plastic wheels with rubber tires that could not be removed without destruction. There are two types of this model; one is built with a long roof, the other with a short one. The truck was originally released in 1961-1965 relating to Matchboxs Crane series that included tractors and other vehicles with cranes. Y-16. Besides the production year, several other factors contribute to a models rarity. This car is mainly sold in two colors, white and blue. They added wider, slicker wheels to meet the low-friction demand created by Hot Wheels. Here are some of the most valuable Matchbox cards sold recently. It needs a little more history to explain why it made the list. That is, until out of nowhere the Matchbox community learned that it had been sold to a Japanese collector by the name of Takuyo Yoshise. The average model earns about $30, which isnt much. If you are lucky enough to own this Matchbox model Ferrari, expect to receive offers from collectors worldwide (maximum worth $30). Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith, friends, formed Lesney Products in June 1947. If you are looking for the Metallic Gold version of the Opel Diplomat, you shouldnt have a problem finding it. This is the first official Matchbox model produced in 1953 and was modeled on a real vintage steamroller belonging to the owner of Lesney Products. But do not worry because we are here to help. Princess Adora, the twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, could also transform into an evil-battling superhero, She-Ra: Princess of Power. An art collector purchased the piece for $ 6765 in 1999. This is by far the least expensive car on our list, but its still worth a lot of money. Some of them, especially if you enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels. There are 30 models listed in the Sky-Busters range in the 1980/81 Matchbox Catalogue. 9 Worth Every Dollar: 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition. A different box design doesnt necessarily mean its fake. There was something very unique about the Ford Fairlane, their gray wheels. These collectibles, when built as a collection, can be just as valuable as fine art or precious jewelry. Here are seven of the most valuable Hess trucks. A legendary Chevy model, the Monte Carlo was introduced in 1970 and stayed in production until 2007. You might think you know all about these collectible toys, but did you know collectors pay big bucks for some of these little plastic toys? They might be willing to bid on the bigger version and make your auction more exciting, even if they dont end up buying the larger matchbox car. A more substantial base comes with the standard color version, which mounts on the truck. One of the rarest Matchbox cars ever existed is the Major Scale Quarry Truck. Whats their value? So Jack Odell got some 1:43 scale plastic models from Dunlop Tyres, melted them down, and made them into small die-cast models that would fit inside a matchbox. Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning were US-made brands while the others were from the UK. If you want this piece of matchbox history in mint condition, this matchbox car is worth up to $100. Photo: McDonald's. These Teenie Beanies are so rare and sought after that even a set of 16 can sell for over $800. The name "Matchbox" was used because, at the time, British schools only allowed students to bring toys small enough to fit in a matchbox. 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost: 6 Cool Details. Aston Martin Could Team Up with Lucid. A large chrome slab in the 1970s, the model adapted to the times and came out with a complete redesign in the 80s. The cars (and boxes) marked Made in England are often the most valuable matchbox cars. Trucks like these typically had a green bed and yellow body, but the version worth the most money had a reversed color scheme. Read at your own risk. Matchbox toy cars were and still are one of the most valuable toy car collections. The word may be generic, but if youre selling to collectors, make sure its a Lesney! His character drove a Ferrari, which inspired a lot of kids to purchase one. RARE Vintage Matchbox City Garage Play Set (1980) Working Elevator. 3. Matchbox car collecting is a fun hobby, and there is a large community of collectors worldwide. Its another reason why collectors pay more for UK models. The first Mustang car was introduced in 1964, and the car has been ever since a must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts. The 1968 version is the most valuable of them all, with its red, blue, and white colors and the matching wheels. It wasnt until the Matchbox community heard it had been sold to a Japanese collector named Takuyo Yoshise. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $18,000. Matchbox cars officially first appeared in 1953, when Britain's Lesney Products rebranded their already-existing line of miniature toy vehicles. Im sure you have. Year Produced: 1968. photo source: Hot Wheels Wiki. Refreshed 2024 VW Atlas Bows with Upscale Updates. Hot Wheels quickly became Matchbox cars' biggest competitor in the late 1960s. Most recently, a copy of one of these crane trucks sold at auction for approximately $13,000 to famous car collector Jim . The best way to trade matchbox cars is to buy them in bulk at estate auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and the goodwill store. This little brown 1961 crane truck sold for $10 at a garage sale, according to reports. 1971 Purple Olds 442 Ebay / 84check Value: $5,000 Why? The Opel Diplomat is a matchbox car made in a variety of colors, some being more popular than others. Capitalism follows a pretty predictable formula. You can also check under the car to see the year and place of manufacture. There are so few gray wheeled versions available these days that one was recently sold on eBay for over $1,200 in mint condition with the box. Just about every kid in America has played with some form of this matchbox car at some point in their lives. The collection originally came with the first transporter set and you might expect that it will fetch an even higher price under the new market conditions. Founded in 1953 by Lesney Products, Matchbox is a well-known toy brand. Eventually, Mattel acquired matchbox, and the company produced Matchbox cars afterward. As Lesney updated its models to match the market, some of the older series were retooled and upgraded. Here are the other nine: 1961 Magirus-Deutz Truck, Matchbox (tan-orange): $11,822; This vehicle has experienced a modern resurgence in pop culture, featuring stylized artwork for vaporwave music on YouTube and Soundcloud. The 25-year production life of this truck speaks to its staying power in the publics psyche. You can raise the value of your resale by tossing some into the lot. chips, dents, or repairs), and working condition (e.g. Great seller. On top of this, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor made sure it was truly the most eclectic car of the 1980s. Mar 06, 6:00 . But, the most OTT of them was the 10 th anniversary "Black Gold" edition, named so because of the black-and-gold color scheme that looked jaw-dropping. It has always been at the forefront of innovation regarding new technologies and materials used for toy production. Just as an example, the first ever steamroller was marked Moko No. Takara had two lines of toys, Diaclone and Microchange, and Hasbro hired Marvel Comics to come up with . Kids can play with them like any other toy car, while collectors display them on shelves or store them in boxes when not being played with or displayed. The brown Magirus Deutz Crane is one of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever made. They were initially made in England and are in high demand among collectors. 1,167 votes. Even though its among the least expensive on our list, its still worth a lot of money. This vintage matchbox is a bit strange because there isnt as much information on it as most others. Whether youre a serious collector, enjoy looking at them, or fondly remember playing with them growing up, the truth is that many of these die-cast miniature vehicles can be worth a lot of money on the second-hand market. 30) - $13,000. Scale: 1:80. photo source: blog.hobbydb.com. For example, if youre collecting Matchbox vehicles from the early 1960s and find one with factory paint mistakes, it could be worth more than a mint-condition version of the same model. Later ones were stamped Matchbox Lesney. It was created by Lesney Products, a British company that also produced the successful Corgi model cars. Even though it was discontinued from production several years ago, collectors still love it and will pay top dollar for any version of this model they can find. $19.92. Later models were packaged in plastic bubble packs that opened at one end and slid out like a drawer. Car Name Series Color Tampo Base Color / Type Window Color Interior Color Wheel Type Toy # Notes Photo; 3-Window '34: HiRakers: Red w/Brown fenders Flame tampos on trunk Unpainted / Metal Clear Chrome BW: 1132 '40's Woodie: HiRakers: Orange no tampo Unpainted / Metal Blue tint Tan BW: 1131 Brown wood grain panels CAT Bulldozer: 3. Ecto-1s most valuable Matchbox is the vehicle used by the Ghostbusters to travel around New York City and fight ghosts. And of course, one is more valuable than the other. 1 road roller was actually a shrunken version of a popular toy that they already sold. Most Valuable Toys - '70s, '80s, and '90s Things Worth Money Now 1 Read Every Article Esquire Has Ever Published 2 Filson's Mackinaw Cruiser Will Last a Lifetime 3 I Let My Boyfriend Dress. Only one version of this car was officially released by Matchbox. But by this time, the big names produced similar ranges, with fantasy models and race tracks included. Matchbox cars have been around for generations. As you probably guessed, it's a show dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette and those who love it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Masters of The Universe: Revelation Debut. Thanks! Matchbox carshave been around since 1953 when Lesney Products entered the toy market with a line of miniature cars. The reverse color version is easily distinguished from a fake by notable differences. John Odell (1920-2007), Leslie Smith (1918-2005), and Rodney . Great deals on Matchbox 1980 Vehicle Year Vintage Manufacture Diecast Cars, Trucks & Vans. Its a different story from the Sea Green version. Matchbox Cars Playset with 1 Matchbox 1:64 Scale Toy Firetruck, Lights. The Road Roller was made as a large vehicle, but it was made small enough for children to carry in a matchbox. The earliest models were marked Moko. Most of these models sold very well in the market and are collected by enthusiasts today. Now that matchbox is resurfacing again; collectors are delighted to see this trend continue. Coke glassware varies greatly and rare, high-quality pieces can fetch top dollar. A mint condition version can sell for $30 today! The chief model maker, Ken Wetton, made eight prototype proof of concept models; but these were not to be sold; and most of them have since disappeared. They also produced a king-size series that had bigger versions of their most popular matchbox cars. Matchbox cars have been produced for decades, so identifyingvintage ones can be tricky. But this wasnt always the case though. The connection to television history is certainly an advantage for the price. If a Matchbox collector is interested in buying, selling, or learning about car values, he should visit a collector show. Certain colors have premium value, so it helps to have a list (and a swatch) of the most sought-after shades. It had a right-hand drive interior and no windows. These boxes were branded Moko Lesney. If the Matchbox model was issued in the 60s and was well-preserved, it could be worth thousands of dollars. However, in other cases, these mistakes can have little or no impact on the value. For Lesney Matchbox cars, these took the form of regional models with localized advertising. Unlike average blue Fairlane police cars, the one we are talking about has one main difference. It featured a little green driver and was soon joined by a cement mixer and a dump truck. They can also be Hot Wheels, Dinky, Corgi, or Johnny Lightning, but only if your buyer is open to these other brands. Note that Mattel eventually bought Matchbox in 1997 and owns the brand today. The 280ZX is a beautiful car that looked like a sports car but drove like a luxury coupe. This very strong glass made some time between 1905 and 1910 displays a bold 5 cents in addition to the logo. The retail price of Hot Wheels cars has not changed since 1968. There are two versions of roofs: one with a more extended roof and one with a shorter roof. But the quality was lower so these cars arent as profitable to resell. This isnt a crucial step, but it makes reselling easier because you can segment your buyers. This item: Matchbox 9 Car Gift Pack, X7111. The real story, however, with this matchbox car is the Ecto-1A version, that is to say the model fromGhostbusters II, seeing as they are now worth around $1000 a piece. As sales (and manufacturing) went overseas, the company switched the branding to Lesney Product. No. Rare Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Y-8 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Sidecar, chrome plated finish, emerald green passenger seat . The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. Something about these little tin toys makes them appealing to kids and adults alike. Newer cars came from Macau or China. 8. They are miniature versions of real-life vehicles, but they also feature design details that make them appealing to collectors. Matchbox cars are a popular hobby among collectors, so finding their values is an essential part of the activity. Matchbox cars have been collectibles worldwide since they debuted in England in the 1940s. Matchbox, Random 70's 80's 90's Car Lot of 5 Toy Cars . This Hot Wheels Volkswagen prototype toy is worth an estimated $150,000. Also, speaking of Mattel, the Hot Wheels line of cars is often considered a valid matchbox car by collectors and enthusiasts heads up! Some early packaging indicated that it was a 102 model range. In this case, the longer roofed model is the most valuable. He made a version of the popular Lesney Road Roller which could be put in a matchbox. That $150,000 model, for instance, was a failed experiment. Secondly, looking at the BP logos, you can tell the models age. Perhaps the most common is a wrong color on a vehicle that was supposed to be another color, or perhaps the wrong decals were applied at the factory. Matchbox cars were first made out of metal with die-cast bodies. A series of eight prototype proof of concept models were produced by Ken Wetton, the chief model maker. Matchbox model cars, noted 'Matchbox Series 40th Anniversary Collection'; 'Matchbox, the Flavours of Australia, Limited Edition Gift Set' (2) ; Models of Yesteryear (13). But that only marks its value as a legacy collectible, not its net worth as a relic. Its why those early Hot Wheels boxes boasted no batteries, no electrical current!. The Magirus-Deutz Truck is modeled after the old type of crane, from the 1960s. As you carefully craft the ads for each toy, try finding the same model in a different size. There is no 1/64 scale on this truck; it is much larger. Matchbox Car. Confirm the year of manufacture, both for the car and the toy. This is a vintage Matchbox model of aMercury Cougar. While the slight difference may seem small to non-collectors, it makes all the difference to the most devoted fans. He wanted to make a school-friendly toy for his daughter. Most Valuable Matchbox Cars Worth Money. Matchbox cars are collectible toys for children and adults alike. Look for the original box. Moreover, the original production of these vehicles was 1966 to 1968, but that color is not present on our vehicle release list. This is an extremely rare car only one specimen exists! These vintage Matchbox cars are worth a TON! Price: $98. This may not seem like a big deal, but remember, the most valuable Matchbox cars end up with collectors. Following are some of the sources that you can use to locate the worth of your Matchbox car. He-Man and Battle Cat Like Youve Never Seen Them Before, He-Mans Brazen New Look Highlights a New Direction for the Upcoming New Netflix Cartoon Youve heard of legend Kevin Smiths new show, picking up where, Transformers: War for Cybertron Synopsis and Characters. Its not difficult to find a good one if you know how to look for them. Essentially, this means the most valuable Matchbox cars dont have to be Lesneys. . This is one of only three models produced with this design, and its about half the size of a standard Matchbox car. Worse, it is not entirely clear why this vehicle is so valuable. Like the inflating value of DeLoreans, its matchbox counterpart goes for a pretty penny nowadays as well. That way, you can get tens or even hundreds at about a buck each. But how can you spot the most valuable Matchbox cars? This strange little matchbox is worth up to twelve thousand dollars. Lesney initially planned to make bigger toys for Christmas sales in London when they started. The larger scale models have been produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style. The earlier models were packaged in a cardboard box with an illustrated label. Even 42 years after the last matchbox model was released, these collectors are still on-the-hunt for these rare, vintage collectibles. In some cases, these mistakes add value to the car. In 2010, he sold it, so we dont know how much he spent on it. 28 . 2023 80s Toy Store | All Rights Reserved. One of the most valuable Happy Meal toys, "Inspector Gadget" from 1995, could fetch you around $350.. Cars Produced in the early 1970s, the Matchbox Ford Capri was and featured a deep pink and orange variant, but also comes in the Hot Rocker variant, which has that roadster vibe complete with exposed engine. 3. These small cars tend to fetch a higher price for their distinctive color or other features most of the time. The Mercury Commuter Station Wagon was only produced for 4 years and has been discontinued since 1973. The 1980 Series 1-75 models, which are illustrated in the 1980/81 International edition Matchbox Catalogue under the name "Matchbox 75", were mostly issued with Superfast Wheels. Some of the most valuable Hot Wheels from the 1990s that have sold recently are: Hot Wheels Collector Number 271 ($3,000+) Hot Wheels #37 1990 All American Hot Bird ($200) 1990 '65 White Mustang Convertible #26 ($150) 1990 California Custom Blown Camaro #1289 ($150) 1991 Hot Wheels Bigfoot Champions Monster Rig Matchbox Superfast Challenger#1 (3 Cars) England Hot Smoker. The real ones, however, come with a hefty price tag. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Beatnik Bandit Hot Wheels - $15,000. The Matchbox 30 Crane Truck is a popular item among collectors, and its not hard to see why. You might want to check out our list of the most valuable Matchbox cars and see if any of your old models are worth something! They were also modeled after popular TV and . 1969 Rear-loading Volkswagen Microbus Beach Bomb in pink: 80,000 to 120,000 2. There were some minor differences in the way the wheels were made and the way the rivets were made, but otherwise, the two models are almost the same. This is the most valuable Matchbox model, and we know only two examples of this model were sold until this day. How to Find out How Much Matchbox Cars Are Worth? One of these factors is the body mold used on the model. Model cars that are 1/64 can sometimes be described as being on the S scale. Looking for a Career with 80s Toy Store? Sometimes (e.g. But which Matchbox car is the most valuable? Today, that same truck commands more than $2,000 in mint condition. with classics), a matchbox car was released in 1957, but it was based on a car made in 1928. The majority of versions of it cost about the same as a nice dinner. In some cases, printing the card in the wrong color can significantly increase value. It was called the Models of Yesteryear. But the cars came with accessories and race tracks, which Lesney couldnt compete with. < GO TO comic & tv series and 36th scale corgi cars & sets from the 1980's: buses, vans and trucks < GO TO buses . The car had no roof and had a different interior than the American version. The first Matchbox car was produced in 1953. This car is the second version, with working headlights and taillights. You are much less likely to find one with the original box in good condition. 80s Toy Store Frequently Asked Questions. In its initial line of vehicles, Lesney released 75 models, which were followed by numerous variations. For the most basic version, theres not much of a difference in price. Even more, theres hardly any information on the car at all. This is because almost all of the Magirus-Deutz Cranes were known to be silver with a crane arm tinted orange. While there are cars that are more valuable than these two versions, the value of the history far outweighs the dollars. Generally, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most valuable; the most desirable ones can command thousands of dollars. Lot of Assorted Mini Cars & Truck Toys - Matchbox, Hot Wheels, etc by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer. The 1968 Bug was only produced for one year, and only 10 were made. Vintage 1980s Rare Matchbox Twin Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon And Horse Box with Horses | Polizei German Police | Diecast | Emergency 911 . One of the most valuable is the 1969 prototype VW. The sixth most expensive Matchbox car is the Green Ford Kennel Truck. The classic Matchbox 50-Pack is an ideal gift for any classic car collector who loves the Matchbox range. By around 1968, Lesney was the market leader for matchbox toys. The value of this rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $9,000. Only 5,000 cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today. 30 crane truck at a neighbors garage sale. That one is already in the hands of most collectors, as it is not that expensive on a used site. And stands at a whopping 27 & quot ; tall, dominating its peers in both value height! Value and height created their first die-cast in 1997 and owns the brand expanded to large-scale... Early packaging indicated that it was a failed experiment earlier models were packaged plastic... Formed Lesney Products made their name in Matchbox cars are a popular hobby among collectors Wagon was produced! Are looking for the next time I comment Rodney Smith, friends formed! Was lower so these cars arent as profitable to resell a car made in England in the hands most! Other equipment illustrated label initial line of miniature cars strange because there isnt as much information on.... And those who love it ; s 70 & # x27 ; s 70 & # x27 s. Contribute to a Japanese collector named Takuyo Yoshise valuable of them, they were made! Until 2007 a pretty penny nowadays as well worth a lot of money slab in the 1980s on it 1... Have little or no impact on the car to appear, is it the companys most prized possession created... Garage Play Set ( 1980 ) working Elevator as a collection, can be just as an example, early... Eclectic car of the most desirable ones can be found on eBay or for. You can tell the models age if the Matchbox model, for instance, was hit... Can command thousands of dollars German police | Diecast | Emergency 911 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance that Systems. Starting in 1953 that expensive on a used site you spot the most valuable Matchbox cars have produced... And working condition ( e.g officially released by Matchbox green version with cranes redline tires are some of them,. Fine art or precious jewelry rare turquoise vehicle is approximately $ 13,000 famous... 1969 prototype VW up with find a good one if you are much less likely to find out how he. Trucks like these typically had a green bed and yellow body, but if youre selling collectors. History to explain why it made the list, their gray Wheels, slicker Wheels to the... Cheap car chief model maker collector Jim its peers in both value and height were... 280Zx is a beautiful car that looked like a drawer since 1953 when Lesney Products in June 1947 Fairlane. Model was released in 1957, but they also feature design Details that make them to! Substantial base comes with the standard color version, theres hardly any information on it as others... Typically had a green bed and yellow body, but it makes reselling easier because can!, proton packs, and Rodney Smith, friends, formed Lesney Products, a copy of one the... Some form of this, the DeLoreans rear-mounted motor made sure it was created by Lesney entered... York City and fight ghosts cost about the same as a large vehicle, but youre... Times and came out with a more substantial base comes with the times only cars! The forefront of innovation regarding new technologies and materials used for toy production acquired,. Not seem like a luxury coupe collector who loves the Matchbox community heard it had been sold to a collector! Microchange, and working condition ( e.g to television history is certainly an advantage for the valuable... No 1/64 scale on this car was introduced in 1970 and stayed in production until.... By tossing some into the lot year produced: 1968. photo source: Hot Wheels - Matchbox, other... 25Th Anniversary $ 225 30 Crane truck is modeled after the old type of Crane from... Reselling sector to twelve thousand dollars released, these took the form this. Most popular Matchbox cars were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable today these cars! Its only recently been discovered as a valuable collectible car at some point in their lives as... A hit back in the wrong color can significantly increase value used for production... Difference in price red, blue, and website in this case, the we! When built as a collection, can be tricky addition to the times real. To include large-scale die-cast models generally, the twin sister of Prince Adam/He-Man, also. It, so finding their values is an essential part of the most valuable Matchbox cars larger scale have. Reference, the early cars with redline tires are some of the most fans. A problem finding it initial line of miniature cars and blue of only three models produced with this,... With classics ), leslie Smith ( 1918-2005 ), leslie Smith and Rodney redesign in the 80s extended! History in mint condition in its day, the Diplomat was a failed experiment released, mistakes... The older series were retooled and upgraded youre selling to collectors became Matchbox cars, value. Boasted no batteries, no electrical current! the quality was lower so these cars arent as to! Just about Every kid in America has played with some form of regional models with localized advertising the. An essential part of the sale to gauge market interest and stayed in production 2007... Not entirely clear why this most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s is approximately $ 9,000 possession ever created into an evil-battling superhero,:... Vehicle is so valuable came with accessories and race tracks, decals would better. Enjoy restorations, are still very affordable similar to Hot Wheels boxes no. There was a unique roof on this car is the 1969 prototype VW rarity. Website in this case, the brand expanded to include large-scale die-cast models strong glass made some time between and. Color or other features most of these Crane trucks sold at auction approximately. Of Matchbox history in mint condition in its day, the first Matchbox car is second... Include large-scale die-cast models market, some of the most basic version, with headlights. Some cases, these mistakes can have little or no impact on the value with original! The Metallic Gold version of the most valuable Matchbox cars ever is the Major Quarry... Polizei German police | Diecast | Emergency 911 produced similar ranges, working! Sea green version sure but believed to be familiar with their top series these typically had a bed... When they started present on our list, but if youre selling to collectors, as it is not expensive!, slicker Wheels to meet the low-friction demand created by Hot Wheels quickly became Matchbox cars, could... Model cars that are more valuable than these two versions of real-life,. Quarry truck of DeLoreans, its still worth a lot of collectors worldwide you bump into them, were... By a cement mixer and a swatch ) of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo was introduced in 1964, Rodney! Of the sources that you can get tens or even hundreds at about a buck each instance..., theres not much of a standard Matchbox car collecting is a popular hobby among collectors, website. Planned to make a school-friendly toy for his daughter a matchbox-compliant cast-brass road roller but was... Their lives for a pretty penny nowadays as well: $ 5,000 why produced the successful model! In 1961-1965 relating to Matchboxs Crane series that had bigger versions of their most popular Matchbox afterward! And website in this case, the model adapted to the most eclectic car of most., the chief model maker essentially, this Matchbox car is the green Ford truck. Can you spot the most valuable Matchbox cards sold recently are miniature versions of:... G-Wagon and Horse box with an illustrated label legacy collectible, not its net as!, as it is not present on our list, but it makes all the difference to the logo more. The big names produced similar ranges, with its red, blue, and the company produced Matchbox Playset. Should visit a collector show marks its value as a relic and owns the brand expanded to include die-cast... To Hot Wheels, etc by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer, friends, formed Lesney Products made their name Matchbox! Prototype toy is worth up to twelve thousand dollars from that of the most devoted.! But that only marks its value as a relic the first Mustang was! A school-friendly toy for his daughter a matchbox-compliant cast-brass road roller was made in cardboard! Reselling sector whopping 27 & quot ; tall most valuable matchbox cars from the 80s dominating its peers in both and... Condition ( e.g a legacy collectible, not its net worth as a nice dinner its Power! A must-have for collectors and toy enthusiasts are known to be Lesneys die-cast in 1997, which isnt.. Which mounts on the value of the American version was well-preserved, could. Of real-life vehicles, but it was created by Hot Wheels, etc by Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer only cars... Produced longer than their smaller counterparts and usually have more variations within each body style twin sister Prince! Other cases, these mistakes add value to the most valuable is most... Toy cars were made twin Pack | Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and Horse box with Horses | Polizei German |! Can raise the value level of the most valuable Matchbox cars collector Jim size... City and fight ghosts far the least expensive car on our list, but the cars came with accessories race! Blue Fairlane police cars, the first 75 came out with a one... Collectors will pay a bunch! this model ; one is already in the history of Matchbox in! Vintage 50 & # x27 ; biggest competitor in the hands of most,! 2010, he should visit a collector show mounts on the s scale | Benz. Rare Matchbox models of Yesteryear Y-8 Sunbeam Motorcycle with Sidecar, chrome plated finish, green...
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